IT NewsImphal, Dec 8: Chief Minister N. Biren Singh today reiterated that the State’s territorial integrity would never be affected at any cost due to the final settlement of Naga issue.The Chief Minister made the statement while speaking to media persons on the sidelines of a function to distribute monetary aid under Manipur State Illness Assistance Fund at Durbar Hall of Chief Minister’s Secretariat today.It may be mentioned that N. Biren returned to the State Capital from Kolkata today after meeting Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the issue yesterday.The Chief Minister informed that he along with the Chief Ministers of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh had a discussion with the Union Home Minister regarding the possible settlement of Naga issue.

The Chief Minister said that Rajnath Singh was simply trying to assess the concerns of these three States on the Naga issue.From his side, the Chief Minister said, he told Rajnath Singh that neither he nor the people of Manipur and the present State Government would agree division of Manipur to bring a solution to the Naga issue.N. Biren stated that he urged the Home Minister not to do anything which may disturb the oneness of hill and valley people who have been residing together harmoniously since time immemorial.Stating that he also clearly conveyed to the Home Minister that people of Manipur would never accept alteration of territorial boundary of the State, the Chief Minister said that he also told Shri Rajnath Singh that people’s will is the State Government’s will.N. Biren further said that the Chief Ministers of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh also told the Union Minister that they would never endorse an agreement which may infringe on the territorial boundary of their respective States though they are ready to extend full support in settling the issue within the State of Nagaland.

IT NewsImphal, Dec 8: Maoist Communist Party Manipur has expressed shocked over the demise of the Comrade Pierre, who had laid foundation of the Maoist movement in the soil of France. The sudden demise of the Maoist leader of France Comrade Pierre has shocked not only us but entire Maoist parties of the world, a statement of the outfit said.

The statement further added that Comrade Pierre hoisted the Maoism flag in France while those who claimed to be communists took refuge in parliamentary cretinism or in their couches of intellectuals. He was also the one comrade who defended the revolutionary line marked by Chairman Gonzalo. “Comrade Pierre, was a great comrade who took the correct ideological line of revolution and defend the Maoism in the soil of Europe. What we have heard about Comrade Pierre is, He always worked tirelessly for the unity of the Maoists around the world, but unfortunately we lost him before make it happened. We will uphold his legacy and work with Maoist Communist Party of France to achieve his revolutionary path. We have not met him physically, but his ideology influences us”, the statement said.The statement said that Maoist Communist Party Manipur extended our condolences and share pain of our comrade in France, his friend and comrade, as well as with all comrades of the Maoist Communist Party of France. Comrade Pierre was a veteran of the former communist movement, but he lived in the present, not in the past, the statement added.

By: Okenjeet SandhamKohima, Dec 8: Speaker of Nagaland Dr. Imtiwapang Aier has acknowledged the important roles played by their Civil Societies, Churches, Mothers Associations, GB Body and Students’ Bodies towards finding a lasting and honorable solution to the longstanding Naga political issue.In his welcome address at the Consultative Meet of Nagaland Legislators’ Forum (NLF) with Members of Parliament and Ex-Parliamentarians on Naga Political issue held at the Regional Center of Excellence in Music and Performing Arts (RCEMPA), Jotsoma, on Thursday, the Speaker who is also Convener of NLF said that the Consultative Meet was convened in view of the Naga peace process entering into a crucial phase. He, however, expressed regret for postponing the Consultative Meeting that was fixed on 4th December with the Tribal Hohos, Civil Societies and Ex-Parliamentarians indefinitely due to some “unavoidable circumstances.”Stating that various steps had been taken to facilitate for an “acceptable solution to our political issue,” Dr. Aier informed that a series of meetings were held by the 60 elected Members of the House with different Naga Political Groups (NPGs), Civil Societies and different organizations of Naga Society to convey its voice to “all sections including Government of India and Naga National Workers.” He further credited for the “vital roles” of finding a solution to their Naga political issue to their Civil Societies, Churches, Mother Associations, GB Body and Students’ Bodies.
The Speaker recalled how their Naga Women had been tirelessly working for peace building with their famous slogan “Shed No More Blood” ever since the factional feuds broke out. “Likewise, we have seen how FNR bridged the gap among the Naga underground factions,” he said and further disclosed that their initiatives had proven a “positive development, that has paved the way for top leaders of NSCNs and NNC/FGN to come and attend the Highest Level Meeting of leaders of NPGs.” This extraordinary development had brought a “sea change” in the Naga political landscape, he added.He also recalled how the Naga Hoho and ENPO had gone to Myanmar for meeting NSCN (K) leaders when they walked away from the ceasefire with Government of India in March 2015. NLF acknowledged and appreciated the joint efforts of Naga Hoho and ENPO for successfully meeting the “authorized Representative of the NSCN (K)” and conveying the desire of the State Government, the NLF and the Naga people for the resumption of the Ceasefire Agreement between the Government of India and NSCN (K), he added.Dr. Aier also said from the beginning, NLF had been urging the Government of India and RN Ravi, Interlocutor to Naga Talks, to include all “stakeholders” while finding a solution to the longstanding Naga political issue. “The six NNPGs’ joining the Naga peace talks is a significant positive development as far as the settlement of the Naga political issue is concerned,” he stated.Expressing his happiness on Indian President Ram Nath Kovind’s statement made at the Hornbill Festival inauguration that the “final agreement to Naga political issue” would come soon, the Speaker informed the meeting that the Government of India was geared up to bring a “solution to the decades-old Naga political issue. He asked all the members present to deliberate on the vexed issue with free and frank to see that the issue reached a “logical conclusion.”

IT NewsImphal, Dec. 8: A team of working journalist based in Thoubal and Kakching district today set for an external tour at various places dominated by Meitei community in various part of Assam.The team was flagged off by Thoubal district Police Superintendent K. Megahchandra from Mela Ground Thoubal early today morning. Imphal Times consultant also serving as Correspondent of Manipur Chronicle daily newspaper Rabi Takhellambam, Correspondent of various other newspapers, AIR, ISTV, Image TV, including KD Chakpra, among others are in the team.Member of the All Jiribam Working Journalist Union will be receiving the journalist team at Jiribam which is expected to reach today evening.While flagging off the journalist team, Thoubal district Police Superintendent K. Meghachandra said that the endeavor undertaken will foster good will relationship between the people, journalists of other place and visiting journalists. The tour will also broaden the outlook of the journalists and provide them with new experiences, said the SP wishing the journalist success on their journey.
The tour is expected to provide insights on the lives of Meitei communities in different parts of Assam. The journalists will visit and access the condition of the under-construction Imphal-Jiribam road, Manipur Bhavan at Cachar and other Meitei dominant places including the historic place, Khoiren Pat (lake). The team is also scheduled to visit different venues of Nupi Lal memorial observations. OC of Thoubal Police, H Rishikesh, and social workers namely Keisham Kaminikumar and Jenil attended the flagged of programme at Mela Ground, Thoubal.

IT NewsJiribam, Dec. 8: Jiribam today observed its 1st Districthood Day with a grand celebration at the hall of Jiri Ema Meira Paibi Apunba Lup (JIMPAL) organised by the Jiribam Disticthood Day Celebration Committee. Jiribam district was among the seven new districts created on December 8, 2016 by the then Ibobi led Congress Government, increasing the number of districts in the state to 16. Jiribam was originally under the Imphal East district. Jiribam district was created with two subdivisions- Jiribam and Borobekra.
The celebration today was attended by president, AJUCA Mutum Maipaksana Mangang and president, JDO, Lamabam Romen Khuman as presidium members. Addressing the celebration, secretary, AJUCA, N Dharmendra Meitei spoke about the history of Jiribam, creation of the Jiribam District Demand Committee and its journey to a full-fledged district.

IT NewsImphal, Dec 8: Eastern Army Commander, Lieutenant General Abhay Krishna, who was on a two visit in the state yesterday called on the Governor of Manipur Dr Najma Heptulla at Rajbhavan here in Imphal yesterday evening. The Army Commander accompanied by General Officer Commanding 3 Corps Lieutenant General Anil Chauhan. During the brief meeting with the governor of the state . General Krishna conveyed his warm greetings and good wishes to the people of Manipur and congratulated the state on the successful conduct of the Sangai Festival. The army chief also discussed the security situation in the state and the close coordination and interaction between the State Government and Security Forces was highlighted and well appreciated.
General Chauhan, while conveying the unstinted support of his forces for ensuring the well being of the state, emphasized on the fact that both Army and Assam Rifles are focused on empowering the children, women and youth of the state to attain financial sustainability and a secure future.The Eastern Army Commander, Lieutenant General Abhay Krishna, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM is responsible for ensuring security of the Indian eastern borders as well as for countering insurgency in the North East India. Before calling on the Governor of the state the Army Commander was briefed on the prevailing security situation in the state by the Head of Assam Rifles in Manipur - Major General Virendra Singh. The Army Commander reviewed the operational preparedness of the formations and appreciated the endeavours of Security Forces. He lauded the efforts of the soldiers for ensuring peace and tranquillity in the state and also asked them to continue the good work in a professional manner and in the true spirit of the “Friends of the Manipur”.

Imphal, Dec 8 : Chief Minister N. Biren distributed monetary aid worth Rs. 1,10,58,858 to 91 selected beneficiaries under Manipur State Illness Assistance Fund (MSIAF) at a simple ceremony held at Durbar Hall of Chief Minister’s Secretariat today.The beneficiaries were selected from among the applications received between December 15, 2014 and February 2015.Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the Government provides medical re-imbursement up to Rs. 1.5 lakh to BPL families for medical treatment under MSIAF.He said that the new Government is giving prime focus to giving proper healthcare to the masses.N. Biren said that large numbers of people have been visiting him on Meeyamgi Numit and Hill Leaders’ Day seeking help in meeting their medical expenses despite the existence of this scheme.
In fact, these two days have been an eye opener for the new Government as it provided vital information regarding people’s woes, the Chief Minister said. As such, the Government had designed a new scheme known as ‘Hakshelgi Tengbang’ for medical and health care of poor families, he said while adding that the scheme would provide cashless medical treatment to poor families up to defined financial ceilings.For seven critical diseases such as cancer, neuro, kidney, heart, burns, liver and neo-natal, the scheme would provide a cashless medical cover up to Rs 2 lakh per family.Informing that the open tender/e-tender for the new scheme had already been floated and implementing agencies shortlisted, the Chief Minister mentioned that the scheme is likely to be launched in January next year.Stating that the Government had also launched another scheme known as ‘Chief Ministergi Shotharabasingi Tengbang’ last Sunday (December 3), the Chief Minister said that action would be taken against any official, who delays more than 24 hours in handing over monetary aid to the beneficiaries who had already been selected for the new scheme.

By: Monsum HazarikaGuwahati, Dec. 8: Indian contingent stayed on course for a clean sweep in the 1st South Asian Regional Badminton Tournament with all the shuttlers in action making it to the finals here at the Tarun Ram Phookan Indoor Stadium on Thursday.In the men’s singles competition top seeded Aryaman Tandon beat fourth seeded Nabin Shrestha of Nepal in a grueling three game match. Aryaman began on an aggressive note and won the opening game 21-6. However, the Nepalese shuttler came back stronger to seal the second game 21-19. With the match tied 1-1, both the players were on top of their game and took the match to the wire with the Indian finally prevailing 21-19.He will now face his compatriot Arintap Dasgupta in the finals tomorrow. Taking on the second seeded Dipesh Dhami of Nepal, the third seeded Indian went down 20-22 in the first game. The Indian launched a strong comeback and won the next two games 21-15, 21-14 to run away with the win.The girls’ singles competition will also be an All Indian affair with Aakarshi Kashyap and local star Ashmita Chaliha both winning their respective matches. Top seeded Akarshi posted a rather comfortable 21-1, 21-3 victory over Jessica Gurung 21-1, 21-3, while unseeded Ashmita pulled off a stunning upset 21-6, 21-5 win over the second seeded Nafha Nasrullah of Maldives. In the men’s doubles, Arintap paired up with Krishna Prasad to beat Bangladeshi duo of Jumar Al Amin Amin and Gaurav Singh 21-11, 21-13 to cruise into the finals. They will now face the top seeded Nepalese duo of Dipesh Dhami and Nabin Shrestha.The second seeded girls’ double pair of Ashmita and Mithula U K prevailed over Jessica Gurung and Sunayna Mukhiya of Nepal 21-11, 21-12 to advance into the finals. They will be up take on top seeded Maldivian team of Fathmath Nabaaha and Aminath Nabeeha who got the better of Reshma Akhtar and Urmi Akther of Bangladesh 21-14, 21-15.
In the mixed doubles event, Krishna Parsad and Mithulla UK, seeded first beat Gautam Kathayat and Rashila Maharjan of Nepal 21-11, 21-12 to set up a final date with Bangladesh’s Jumar Al Amin Amin and Urmi Akhter who beat Arsalaan Ali and Aminath Nabeeha of Maldives 21-14, 21-13.

Great revolutions seldom start with a bang. They evolved and came into being according to the needs and necessities to salvage or turn around a particular situation. It involves various radical changes and often is seen as a turning point- a step towards the untrodden path, a new approach and thoughts. An element of calculated risk is inherent in such revolutions. The recent proactive steps taken up by the Education Minister to turn around the declining state of education in the state, especially those of the State –run educational institutions can be viewed as nothing short of a revolution in the spheres of education in the State. Different experimental changes have been mooted, some implemented, and despite objections and disturbances from certain quarters for the unorthodox approach in the search for an answer to the ailing system of education, the bold and earnest nature of the steps taken, even to the point of risking his popularity and position is an altogether uncommon and commendable display of courage of conviction. But the tag of “do or die” to the steps being taken up, as reported in various dailies reeks of desperation and a last ditch effort on the part of the concerned authorities to salvage the last remaining shreds of pride and position. The new initiatives, in order for it to show the desired results, should be pursued relentlessly. While the media may seem unjustly critical of the various development works being planned and carried out in the State, the stand may be attributed to the dismal show of commitment and lack of follow-up in almost all the public projects and developmental works carried out so far. The onus to prove everyone wrong lies squarely on the shoulders of those empowered to carry out these projects. It is common knowledge that the education scene in the state is being increasingly dominated by the private players and institutions, in spite of the high tuition and admission fees collected by them which shows the level of confidence and demand they command.
Meanwhile, the scene within the state run educational institutions is in stark contrast to the ones being witnessed amongst the private educational institutions. A lackadaisical attitude, lack of enthusiasm and an almost negligible student participation and attendance marks these schools and institutions. The very thought of starting a massive turnaround of these maladies is indeed a daunting task. To draw up the courage to actually implement these changes is indeed a mark of unstinted sacrifice and a willingness to take risks for a higher purpose. The rest of those in the helm of power need to wake up to the commendable deeds of such extraordinary leaders, and to try and better them. It remains to be seen as to the dedication and tenacity with which the leaders pursue these steps. Instilling a sense of achievement and encouraging incentives coupled with a system of rewards could pave the way for a changed attitude amongst the overpaid and underperforming government appointed teachers of the state. A concerted effort from everyone involved in the system needs to be made in order for the new initiatives to effect any real and sustained change in the State. It would seem too early to warrant a guess about the outcome of the whole exercise, but the initial picture is a rosy one. Hope the good run continues.

The woe of recent flood triggered me an idea of possible alternatives to avoid or mitigate the recurrent of the same difficulties in future. As we know, there are multifold factors and causes of such frequent water worries in Manipur. They are unattended deforestation in the catchments, anarchical drainage system, chaotic residential occupation, mindless garbage dumping into the rivers, discriminatory Ithai barrage and Loktak Project. On top of this the tragic burial of Pats/lakes and wetlands in and around Imphal is crucial. Therefore, logical response to the situation towards transforming the flood bottleneck is to attack all the factors and causes. In the meantime, one project idea floating in my mind that connects to the solution not only to the flood but also to other current issues of sustainable development is – build model villages along the foothills of Manipur. By doing this, finally flood will not able to touch us. This could be postulated on the two grounds. First, decades ago Manipur valley was dwelled by many wetlands and we may give back them some. Second, we desire to leave our frayed and un-rectifiable dens of Imphal and the Leikais of the other towns. Although restoring the Pats to their former form, appears kind of difficulty at the moment, still there will be better side of trade off. Because it will help to resurface natural flora and fauna, and can lower the global warming effect in Manipur. The aesthetic landscape of Manipur will be elevated in some ways, economic beneficial will also come along. Many of us living in and around Imphal and other towns feel stuffy, smelly which repels us to settle away somewhere afresh. Also ours is such a haywire unplanned town, the renovation and rebuilding may be possibly costly and ungraceful. New Residential Shift: In the earlier years of mine, whenever I was travelling along the Tiddim Road from Imphal to my village, I was always lost in the thought, looking from the bus window at western side of valley I saw something new and different. There are really beautiful spaces in the green and fresh air foothills of Manipur. The location is not only lovely in scenic landscape but much ideal for compounding reasons for residential settlements. In a nutshell, this will be a better endeavor for socio economic political alternative. The provincial Government of Manipur is always in the principal position to extend a committing help to the new minds in transforming the foothills to a sustainable and environment friendly residential settlements. All around the valley, there are plenty of such sites which can also be reconciled by streams for water supply and fertile soil for kitchen garden.
Sovereign Livelihood: For this project philosophy, the Government is crucially desired to allocate land to group or community. One of the foremost beautiful segment of this design is to restore the sovereignty of self-sustained livelihood and make it operational in the world of 21st century. A different and meaningful live in a community setting where social harmony prevails, organic healthy food are not bought from the outside and maximum clean energy generates within independently. The sewage will be managed in low scale volume as it will be converted into the source of biogas for electricity and other useful purposes. A gas plant will be installed for each household or groupwise towards producing electricity and cooking gas. Solar energy installation and micro hydel power plants can be very functional for the village. It will be independent at the maximum in terms food, water and power. Family and Community: The families and individuals who are taking into account the prevailing difficulties and very much willing to avoid the existing inconvenience, can be part of this new idea and be members of this new model village. Their understanding and volunteerism will be of great help in shifting to a new environment. The community in this village may be at the average of thirty families and can include some single individuals. Should be a village of multi ethnic community. Therefore, mandatory to include Meetei, Naga, Kuki, Pangal and others. Any religious family or individual can be in the community. They can entertain liberty to go to and join the religious ceremonies and occasions outside the village anytime anywhere. There will be no public shrine, church, mosque and temple in the village. However a community centre will be to provide space for occasional social events. The family rituals and prayers should be restricted to their respective houses without undesirable effect to their neighbors. Housing and Farming: The shape of the village can be a linear cluster of the houses with about one kilometer in width. It may be so for administrative and other functional convenience. Each family can build their own house with a minimum and convenient budget yet scientific, hygienic and lovely one. They can accomplish it with a fair share and the support from the Government’s schemes. The assistant can be in the form of either housing materials or monetary kind. Each family is going to commit to kitchen garden farming for maximum food sovereignty. Therefore they have to own an ideal land space. The farming will include seasonal vegetables, corns, cereals, fruits, other life stock of fowls, dairy especially indigenous breed. There can be as big as medium size farming towards extensive purposes for individuals and groups’ economic activities. The vegetables and other plants will be grown nearby, in and around the family houses. For animal husbandry, it may be set out at a reasonable distance, at the fringe of the village in order to avoid smelly disturbances and unhygienic contacts. Education: The families of the village will be in need of a good education input for their young hearts and minds in such fresh village lifestyle. The Government has to extend infrastructural supports at least for elementary and middle schools, equip them with productive teachers. Interested individuals but qualified ones from the community can volunteer in teaching the children as well. The community members can also extend voluntary in designing learning curriculum for children.Transport and communication: An unbumpy approach road free from dust and pot-holes, and flanked with cycle way and footpath is required to stretch from the main roads to the village. Also there will be one inter village road to connect the model villages one another. A public transport set up at least with a bus in tuning with timely frequency will be plying up and down. Since the Government has got reasonable fund and budget for such purposes they must take the responsibility. The community also will use the private cars at the least and optimize the cycling and walking. Security: A small number of 5-7 selected, active security persons either from police or VDF will be deployed to take care of the day to day crimes and violence of theft, robbery and other nuisances tend to occur in around the village. In case of the requirement of reinforcement in certain situation, they will coordinate with the police station and Superintendent of Police concerned. In the beginning for trial experience, about five villages can be set up. Once the villages are in places and run accordingly then hundreds will be followed in no time. Because such is Manipur to copy new things. This could also be an ideal aspect for meaningful tourism in Manipur. This model village will yield home-stay facility for tourists from within and outside. Again, in order to make a meaningful accomplishment a good few supports and assistance from the Government and relevant experts are prerequisite. Best and healthiest farming methodologies, effective maintenance of sewage and drainage technology are much beneficial.